Vital Signs
| Vital Sign: a physical, chemical, or biological
element or process of an ecosystem that is selected to help represent the overall health of park resources,
effects of stressors (such as pollution), or elements that have important human values.
One of the most fundamental questions in establishing a long-term ecological monitoring program is exactly which
parameters should be monitored to best track change. The Central Alaska Network has developed a list of indicators,
or "vital signs," based on a conceptual model that looks at the area's biota in holistic terms.
Learn more about CAKN's conceptual model... The Central Alaska Network has identified 37 vital signs. These vital signs are members of network ecosystems that we can monitor and, in turn, use to understand park health as a whole. 15 vital signs relate to animal life, 12 relate to the physical environment, 4 relate to human use, and 6 relate to plant life. Underlying these 4 vital sign categories is a focus on habitat change. This focus allows us to predict and possibly model future variations on the landscape. With some idea about predicted change, managers can develop better strategies for resource protection.
 Shallow lake water quality monitoring, Denali |
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